When I was growing up, Christmas gifts for me consisted of footballs, Erector sets, hammers, saws and nails. I was the tomboy in my family. My dad was outnumbered with all girls and I always wanted to keep him company so I would just as soon stay outside than be doing all the girly pretty stuff that teenage girls did at that age.

And then I raised two very athletic boys. The next 20 years were spent sitting on swimming pool bleachers and cheering them on at ball games.

Jason and Brent - 2005

Shopping consisted of quick trips to thePannell Swim Shopor in the men's department of whatever store was quick and easy to get in and out of, because the boys hated to shop.

During this period of my life I lived in jeans, shorts , tee shirts and flip flops. There wasn't time for girl shopping, and makeup, shoes and dresses were not in the wardrobe.

Fast forward to the upcoming wedding... Getting ready for the kid's wedding is introducing me to all the things I missed out on over the past several years. Spanx, or as I see it, the modern day girdle that my mother used to wear, is about as uncomfortable as it looked 40 years ago!

​I have never owned a dress that needed you to be sucked in and tucked in all the right places until now. Do you think it may be possible for me to starve the week before the wedding so all those pieces and parts of this old body will stay where they're supposed to be? I'm going to try!

And Shoes. When your feet are too narrow to just go in and pick up a cute pair of shoes to wear, it takes the fun out of shopping for something special. I don't believe I've had on a pair of high heels (which were borrowed) since I was trying to look "fashionable" at a formal event in my college days. They hurt my feet so bad that I had them off after the first 10 minutes and two drinks into the night.

I lost the shoes, ruined the dress and, I think, I permanently damaged my feet. LOL The shoes for the wedding have 2 1/2 inch heels and have lots of inserts and padding in them to keep my feet from sliding around. I'm going to see if I can set a record of 15 minutes in high heels... and no drinks!!

I do have to admit that I am looking forward to having my makeup done before the wedding. I wonder what it will be like not to just slap it on in 5 minutes and be out the door?? LOL

Mom and Walt have been here for the past week. For the past two years they've traveled the South and always bring home big huge bags of shrimp when they visit, and the shrimp boil has become a fun new tradition for our family. I don't care for seafood, since I'm allergic to a lot of it, but the family says that this recipe is wonderful. They're even sharing the family recipe so you can try it for yourself!

Look at this great dog bed Brent created and designed for Murphy. He is able to run in and out during the day and stay out of the hot Florida sun. It also doubles as a table for entertaining in the evening.I love the way Brent stained and finished just inexpensive lumber!! So creative!

It's obvious that Murphy hasn't had any trouble sleeping on his old dog bed, but I went to a local fabric store and bought fabric to create a new padded bed for him anyway. I think he likes it! And it's not even finished!! LOL

While at the fabric store I found this pretty Ogee patterned outdoor fabric and coordinating pieces for my front porch. I just need to get my chairs back from Cherry Blossom Powder Coating. I wonder who owns that business!! Those shoemakers children...LOL

Blessing Pillows for AWAKE Ministries Work Day will be in my basement studio.... We will play with making pillows for the ladies that will be at the New Women's Shelter on May 2.

I know we had one group take on 20 pillows from start to finish. I can't wait to see them. Let's make more to add to this gift!!

​Love this wisteria that grows at the back of my yard. I'm so enjoying having time to take pictures and appreciate my surroundings.

Can't wait to see you in that beautiful dress! Congratulations to Brent on his upcoming wedding. He was so kind to a young Cody.

Reply

Laura Dennison

4/21/2017 01:48:48 pm

Looks like your creativity has rubbed off on Brent. Love the table/dogbed combo.

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Jayn Lando

4/23/2017 06:33:58 pm

I have about the same experiences with dressing up! We went to a "cocktail attire" anniversary party in Jan and I was lost with what to wear. Found a silky top (at a thrift shop) with dressy pants so was able to wear flats. As it turns out I've worn the outfit two more times this spring to weddings!
Our church has a Low Country Shrimp Boil as an annual event ... one of my very favorite meals!

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Jayn Lando

4/23/2017 06:40:29 pm

I got the inserts for the Awake Ministries pillows but can't find the specifics of what to do with them ... size, etc.